Compounding

What is Compounding?

Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing personalized medications for patients. This requires special training and combines the ageless art of compounding with modern techniques and technology to make a medication. From the advent of medicine until about the 1960’s, all medicines were compounded. At that time, drug manufacturing increased and more medications were produced on a mass scale by pharmaceutical companies. Within the last couple of decades, the necessity for compounded medications has grown as physicians realize the importance of addressing the specific needs and conditions of their individual patients. Compounded medications are made based on a practitioner’s prescription in which individual ingredients are mixed together in the exact strength and dosage form required by the patient. This method allows the compounding pharmacist to work with the patient and the prescriber to tailor a medication to meet the needs of the individual patient.

Compounding also allows customization of medication regimens. For example, in our compounded hormone replacement therapy, we can create a specific dosage of a hormone to meet exactly what a patient needs as opposed to a hormone made by a pharmaceutical manufacturer which is limited to just a few dosages for a given product. Additionally, most hormone therapies made by drug manufacturers are composed of synthetic hormones that often cause unwanted adverse effects. Compounded hormone medications utilize bioidentical, or natural, hormones often yielding a more desirable effect. Each compound is customized for each individual. Not everyone is the same, so why would everyone need the same medication dosage or dosage form?

Other examples include specialty needs patients. Some patients need their medications in liquid form when there is not a commercially available option. Also, some patients cannot tolerate certain excipients (inactive ingredients contained within medications) such as gluten, dyes or artificial sweeteners; compounding allows for trained pharmacy personnel to make these medications without these ingredients for patients with specific food allergies.

We are not all “one size fits all.” If you have a special need that requires customization of your medication, please call and see how we can help meet your needs.

Meet our Compounding Personnel

Jarrod Ramsey, Pharm.D.

Jarrod graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy in 2001. He is specially trained in pharmaceutical compounding and has specifically been a compounding pharmacist since 2004. He, his wife and 6 children are active in their community and local church.

“I love working with patients and prescribers to come up with a customized medication regimen. We work with local practitioners to solve problems and help our patients achieve better health. Not only do we help people, we also customize medications for your pets.”

Lindsey Beth Thierauf, CPhT

Lindsey Beth Thierauf acquired her bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University in 2013. She has been a certified pharmacy technician with the Sheldon’s Express Pharmacy team for 4 years and has served in compounding for 2 of those years. She and her husband are also active in their local church and enjoy spoiling their puppy when they are not working.

“My passion is people. I love pouring my energy into helping our patients regain their health with specialized medications, and educating our physicians on what regimens are available."

Jessica Jones, CPhT

Jessica Jones graduated with her pharmacy technician degree from Daymar College in 2012. She has practiced pharmacy for a total of 4 years and has been a member of the Sheldon’s team for 3 years. Jessica enjoys helping our patients with their unique needs and spending time with family.